Are some prescription drugs illegal?

Drug Offences - Drug Lawyer Sydney - George Sten &Co

Are some prescription drugs illegal?

Drug Offences - Drug Lawyer Sydney - George Sten &Co

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It is an offence to possess drugs such as methadone and benzodiazepines without a doctor’s prescription. However, if a doctor has prescribed Valium for example, possession in such instances is considered legal. However, it should be noted that although it is legal to possess methadone if prescribed by a doctor, it may be an offence to inject the drug due to the fact that methadone is meant to be taken orally in accordance to “recognised therapeutic standards”.

Drug laws are complex

The legislative document that determines how a substance is restricted is called the Poisons Standard. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) manage and update it regularly through public consultation. Drugs are listed in Schedules which affect how and where they are available. For example:

  • Substances listed in Schedule 3 don’t require a prescription, but can only be bought from a pharmacy
  • Schedule 8 lists controlled drugs. Possession of these without authority is an offence.
  • Schedule 9 lists prohibited substances.

Other federal laws which apply include:

The Office of Drug Control has a list of laws and regulations that apply to drugs.

Find out about Drug Offences 

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